Lubavitcher Rebbe's Birthday: 'US Education and Sharing Day'

US President Barack Obama renewed an annual proclamation marking the birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe as US Education and Sharing Day.

By Hana Levi Julian

First Publish: 4/4/2012, 5:03 PM

Rebbe

Israel news photo

U.S. President Barack Obama has renewed a national proclamation that honors the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson since 1978.

The proclamation, established in 1978 and enacted by U.S. presidents annually since that time, marked April 3, the (secular) birthday of the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidic movement as a special day.

"Time and again, during moments of trial, Americans have demonstrated a fundamental commitment to compassion, cooperation, and goodwill toward others – doing not what is easy, but what is right,” the proclamation reads. “These qualities have come to define us, and as we prepare today's students to become tomorrow's leaders, let us nourish in them the virtues that have sustained our country for generations.

“On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we reflect on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebe, who embodied that humanitarian spirit,” the proclamation reads.

“As a tireless advocate for youth around the world, he inspired millions to lift the cause of education, to practice kindness and generosity, and to aspire toward their highest ideals.

"His enduring legacy lives on in those he touched, and today, we resolve to carry forward his dedication to service and scholarship.”

As part of the proclamation, Obama called upon “all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”